How do you prevent backward upsets?
In a backward tip, the tractor can hit the ground in less than one and a half seconds.
Factors that cause a tractor to tip over backward depend upon the load and the height of the hitch from the ground.
Use a tractor equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS), and a seat belt. If not available, have the tractor retrofitted.
- requirement Hitch only at the manufacturer's recommended height.
- requirement Engage the clutch pedal slowly and smoothly. Be ready to disengage power quickly if the front end begins to come up.
- requirement Start forward motion slowly and change speed gradually.
- requirement Use counterweights to increase tractor stability. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- requirement Avoid moving backwards downhill.
- requirement Drive around ditches, not across them.
- requirement Back your tractor out when stuck or tow the stuck machine out with another tractor. Tractors are also prone to tipping when the wheels are stuck - for example, in mud or snow, or in contact with boards, logs, chains, etc. used in an attempt to improve traction, but which actually prevent the wheels from turning.
- requirement Turn downhill when working across a slope.
- requirement Drive straight down even the gentlest slope. Do not drive diagonally across it. Back up hills.
- requirement Do not hitch a load higher than the tractor drawbar.
- requirement Do not coast downhill (that is, do not go downhill with the clutch engaged). Before starting down a hill, shift to a lower gear that prevents freewheeling and excessive braking. Try to use the same gear to go down a hill that you would use to pull the load uphill.
- requirement Add front-end weights when raising heavy rear-mounted equipment.
- requirement Keep front-end loader buckets low when pulling rear-mounted loads.
How do you prevent sideways upsets?
About 85 percent of all tractor rollovers are side rollovers. Side rollovers depend upon the centre of gravity and centrifugal force of the tractor. The centre of gravity is the location where all of the tractor’s weight is equally balanced, both front to back and side to side. This point can change due to attachments and weight from a load, such as when the material is carried in a front-end loader. The centre of gravity must remain within the tractor’s base of stability for the tractor to remain in an upright position. Confirm with the manufacturer where the base of stability is for each tractor. Centrifugal force is the force that pushes out on a tractor as the tractor makes a turn.
Some causes of side rollovers include:
To prevent side rollovers, operators should:
- requirement Driving too fast when turning on a curve.
- requirement Driving too close to an incline, embankment, or a ditch.
- requirement Driving the tractor with a loaded front-end loader in the raised position.
- requirement Losing control of the tractors due to excessive load on the drawbar.
- requirement Applying uneven braking while travelling at high speeds.
- requirement Set wheels as wide as practical for maximum stability. Check with the manufacturer’s recommendations before making changes.
- requirement Use features such as wide tires, the ability to lock brakes together, and a fixed drawbar height.
- requirement Drive at an appropriate speed.
- requirement Avoid depressions and obstacles.
- requirement Turn downhill, not uphill, if stability becomes uncertain on slopes or ramps.
- requirement Keep loads, implements, or loader buckets close to the ground during transport or when turning.
- requirement Keep side-mounted implements on the uphill side.
- requirement Match speed to conditions and loads.
- requirement Slow down when pulling rear-mounted equipment.
- requirement Drive forward down steep slopes and back up them.
- requirement Lock brake pedals together before high-speed travel.
- requirement Slow down before turning.
- requirement Use the engine for braking when going downhill.
- requirement Stay away from the edge of ditches, embankments, steep slopes, and streams.
- requirement Do not try to cross steep slopes.